Following a 37-year stint in the South African Police Service Capt Keith Chandler will exchange his police uniform for civilian attire later this month when he retires early.
The 55-year-old Camps Bay Police Station Commander will vacate his post on Thursday 28 September.
The officer explained he joined the police service in 1986, after completing his training at the Police Training College.
Over the past 30 years, he has worked as a member of the Presidential Unit, the Maitland Flying Squad, a communications officer and a reservist coordinator.
Chandler said he started at Camps Bay in November 2016.
He said his interest in policing was piqued at a young age.
“I come from a military background. My father was in the navy. I was intrigued by the military order and militaristic rule and uniform.”
He said policing was his passion.
“I just love and enjoy policing. My wife is also in the police force, so she understands my situation and we often assist each other.”
Chandler said with less than 20 days left in office he was still working on three cases, and added after 30 years he was still “intrigued by each case”.
He said although the job comes with its challenges, each day is unique.
“Every day is different. You have your standard meetings, but there is always something different.
“I work with some loyal staff and residents who are driven. It’s not only about locking people up, but also about having a passion for helping one’s fellow human being.”
Chandler said despite the negative connotations attached to the police service there are still many “good cops” serving the country diligently.
“In every organisation there are bad apples but there are also good ones. Always see the good in people.
“We have some young new police officers that are energetic and want to go the extra mile and we encourage people to work with the police.
“We try to make Camps Bay and Cape Town a better place to live for our families and future generations.”
Theresa Masaglia, a member of the Camps Bay Policing Forum, believes Chandler made a huge impact in the area.
“He has always been supportive of all the initiatives and the things that we do. He has also allowed his team to work practically with us in terms of our social impact projects and they have been involved in helping to look at ways that we can get people off the street. It is nice to have a leader who is willing to engage. What I valued was being able to learn from him.”
The officer explained that as much as he loved his job he had been planning for his retirement for at least five years.
He said he will now have more time to focus on his hobbies.
“I am very much into the antique trade. So now I can try that out as a job. I will also have more time to spend with my family.”
Chandler thanked the residents of Camps Bay and his colleagues for their support over the past few years.
“You have to embrace change. Help us make Camps Bay, which is already the number one destination for tourists, safer, let’s maintain a good crime-free environment.
“The thing I always notice is the good in people. We all have a bad side but look for the good. And we try and help people in any way we can.
“Give the new station commander just as much support as they gave me. We don’t consider ourselves colleagues but family. We spend more time here than at home.
“Just keep the family going. I will be down the road and will always make a turn here.”
Chandler said his motto has always been to lead with honour and integrity.
“I always say do unto others as you want them to do to you. I am not a strict commander but do your job and try and be the best person you can be.”
Article by Kaylynne Bantom
- courtesy News24
https://www.news24.com/news24/community-newspaper/peoples-post/camps-bay-police-station-commander-ready-to-pass-the-baton-as-he-takes-early-retirement-20230912
No comments:
Post a Comment